Spied: 2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost

It's Rolls' latest brand extension! Our team of spies has caught an extended wheelbase Ghost out on test - the first in a series of Ghost-based derivatives.

Although there's no official date on the newcomer, the wheelbase is estimated to be lengthened by around 15cm, taking it to 5.55m in total. The extra lenght is added to the rear suicide doors, and will offer rear passenegers additional space to stretch out.

Under the bonnet it will use the same 563bhp 6.5-litre V12 hooked up to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Performance will be effected by the additional weight though so expect a 0-62mph time in just over five seconds.

It's a strategy that's worked well for the full-size Phantom - especially in markets such as China and Russia - where LWB versions sell particularly well. It's also expected that, like the Phantom, Drophead Coupe and Coupe version of the Ghost will appear over the next few years, too.

Judging by the Phantom's pricing structure, the longer Ghost will command a significant price premium of around £30,000 over the standard car's £200,500 price tag. For more details click here.